The ship cut through the endless wasteland, skimming past settlements and worn-out outposts like ghosts in the dust.
Inside, Ash and Kael stared at the small figure before them. Kael tilted his head, curiosity clear in his eyes.
"So, he's our fourth member?"
In front of them sat a small robot—more like a high-tech trash can. Its body was squat and round, with black glass covering the top like a visor, behind which a simple face flickered to life. Thin arms and legs extended from the sides and bottom, bending like giant straws.
Max grinned.
"Yeah. Pretty cool, right?"
Ash narrowed his eyes.
"I thought the other member died. I was going to ask about it, but you were just smiling. So this must be why."
Max nodded, sinking down into a chair.
"Thanks to this guy, we actually won the last fight. Building a smart AI like this… it's been hell on me."
Kael leaned forward, voice low.
"Can it talk?"
Max glanced at the robot. It smiled—a crooked, almost mischievous grin.
